Conway

  • Town of Conway Massachusetts
  • 32 Main Street
  • 413-369-4235
  • Contact Us

Board of Health

Additional Pages

Public Office Hours as follows:

  • Mondays: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday: Closed
  • Or by Appointment
  • Visit us at Town Hall, 5 Academy Hill Road
  • Write to:
    Conway Board of Health
    PO Box 240
    Conway, MA 01341

Meeting Schedule: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 5:00 PM at the Town Hall

Next 3 meetings:

  • Mon, May 26 at 5:00 PM -- CANCELLED -- Town Hall Office Meeting Space
  • Mon, Jun 9 at 5:00 PM -- Town Hall Office Meeting Space
  • Mon, Jun 23 at 5:00 PM -- Town Hall Office Meeting Space

Members

5 of 5 seats. 3 years each seat.

Previous meetings:

What to Know about the Current Measles Outbreak

At the current time, there are over 900 cases of Measles in the US. No cases have been detected to date in Massachusetts, however cases have been confirmed in Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey, as well as elsewhere across the country.

Important information to know:

  • Measles outbreaks occur mostly among unvaccinated individuals

  • Vaccines are safe and provide very effective long-term protection against Measles

  • The risk of getting Measles is extremely low for vaccinated individuals

  • Measles vaccination rates are very high in Massachusetts, though lower in Western Mass

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread by respiratory droplets. Approximately 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed will become ill.

Measles looks and feels like a cold or the flu at first. A cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes are common. A few days later, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face, and then spreads to the rest of the body. Measles often causes diarrhea and ear infections.

While most people fully recover, serious complications can occur, including death. Measles can cause pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), resulting in long term disabilities such as deafness, blindness, seizure disorders and other brain disorders.

Measles is most dangerous for children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

For more information, go to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website to learn more about the signs and symptoms of infection, the risk of infection based on vaccination status or likely immunity from childhood infection. A printable Fact Sheet can be found on the website.

What to do now:

  • Check your vaccination status

  • Contact your healthcare provider for specific concerns or if you need guidance about vaccination

  • Learn the signs and symptoms of a possible Measles infection

With thanks to the Cambridge Public Health Department for their March 21, 2025 posting on Measles, from which some of this information was taken.

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

News from the Board of Health

Watch out for ticks!

Ticks can transmit diseases to humans when they bite; the longer a tick remains attached to the skin, the higher the likelihood that it may spread bacteria that cause tick-borne illnesses.

In 2023, over 250 ticks from Franklin County were tested for tick borne illness. Lyme disease was found in ticks from 65% of Franklin County towns. Although only deer ticks (aka black-legged ticks) can transmit Lyme, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, other ticks should be avoided because they can transmit less-common diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

Luckily, there are many actions we can take to prevent tick-borne diseases:

  • When outdoors, stick to hiking trails, wear light-colored clothing (to see ticks) and tuck in loose ends.

  • Brush your clothing off with your hands or a lint roller before coming inside to reduce what you carry indoors.

  • Showering within two hours can help wash off ticks before they embed and bite. Use a washcloth and do a good “tick scrub.”

  • Make a habit of checking yourself, your children, and pets for ticks after coming inside. Think like a tick: ticks often hitch a ride after physical contact with brushy plants—start by checking feet, ankles, legs and groin, then work your way upwards.

  • Use tick repellents. DEET, picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus can be used on skin. Used as directed. Pre-treat clothing, including socks and shoes, with permethrin (not to be put on skin). Permethrin is invisible, odorless and stays effective in fabric through many washings. Using skin and clothing repellents together is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Defense (DOD).

Want to identify a tick? Send a photo to Tick Encounter (tickencounter.org), to learn about the tick and your risk level. You’ll hear from a tick expert in about 24 hours when using this free service, run through the University of Rhode Island.

For more information on tick safety and prevention, see:

MA DPH: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/index.html

Visit the Conway Board of Health table at Conway Grammar School’s “Spring Fling” on May 4th! We’ll have informational handouts, tick identification cards, tick removal tools and more for you to take home!

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

CPHS Comprehensive Program

The Town of Conway has contracted with the Cooperative Public Health Service (CPHS) of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to provide a comprehensive public health program.

The Cooperative Public Health Service (CPHS) of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) serves as the Health Department for the Town of Conway. The Health Agents, Public Health Nurses and Community Health Educator provide environmental health inspections, communicable disease investigation and prevention, code enforcement, education, wellness, and special programs; CPHS staff work closely with members of the Town Board of Health on these matters. For further information, and for a CPHS staff listing and contact details, please see the CPHS website.

Title V and Septic Systems

The Septic tank must be pumped as part of each Title V inspection, unless that tank has been pumped within 1 year prior to the inspection and such pumping was property reported by the pumper to the Board of Health. Such a procedure must be performed by a pumper with a current license to perform such services. The Board of Health may, at its discretion, waive this requirement.

For Title V Inspections, Installations, upgrades or repairs; installers permits, and haulers permits please apply at https://frcog.org/cooperative-public-health-service-online-permitting-scheduling/

For other inquiries regarding septic systems contact the Board of Health at 413-369-4235 ext. 8 or boardofhealth@conwayma.gov

Protect Your Family: A Guide to Water Quality Testing for Private Wells

If you have a private well, then water quality testing should be important to you and your family.

Some contaminants in drinking water have been linked to cancer and toxicity, posing a risk to human health. Many contaminants often have no taste, odor, or color. Only laboratory testing can detect them.

While there is no state requirement to have your well water tested (although there may be from your mortgage lender or local Board of Health), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) recommends that all homeowners with private wells do so, and use a state certified laboratory.

For more information go to: Mass DEP - Private Wells

Click here to find a certified laboratory for water testing

''To Pump, or Not to Pump, that is the question...''

March 20, 2023 By Amy Pemberton, Technical Assistance Provider, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP)

Septic baffle

This is an age-old question that owners of septic systems seem to ask one another. Although misguided, there seems to be some sense of pride of ownership that the longer one can go without pumping their septic tank, the better, more robust system they must have. Not so. Please tell all of your friends!

A septic tank system needs regular maintenance, just like your car needs oil changes and spark plugs replaced, just like your HVAC system needs filters replaced and periodic checks by professionals. Think of your septic system as you would any other household system that needs some care and upkeep. Household wastewater contains disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. If a septic system is well-maintained and working properly, it will remove most of these pollutants. If not, a malfunctioning septic system can be a public health and environmental hazard by allowing exposure of harmful contaminants to humans, pets and the natural world. Not to mention, it is a violation of the law.

Figure3 1

Figure from EPA

Conventional septic systems are designed to be relatively low maintenance, but low maintenance does not equate to NO maintenance. A septic tank system is essentially comprised of five basic components:

  1. A household collection system that removes all sewage from the dwelling and transports it out into the holding tank, or septic tank.
  2. The septic tank is where the treatment of the waste begins, and its routine maintenance is an important step in the functional lifespan of your system. From the septic tank, the liquid portion of the sewage, called effluent, exits the septic tank, and moves out to the third component.
  3. A distribution box, as the name implies, this box equally distributes the effluent as it moves out into the fourth component,
  4. A drain field or absorption trenches.
  5. Lastly is the soil, in which your septic system is installed, is the final step of treatment for a conventional septic system.

The septic tank works to “sort” the household waste as it allows for the contents to settle and separate. The solids settle down to the bottom of the tank, while the fats, oils, and greases float to the top. This action ideally results in no solids moving out into the drain field where they can potentially clog up the absorption trenches. If too much water is introduced into the septic tank at one time (i.e.., multiple consecutive loads of laundry), this can disrupt the settling time and potentially result in solids moving out into your drain field. Adequate settling time is important, so it is vital to keep this in mind in your routine household activities. Over time, the solids at the bottom of the tank accumulate and need to be removed. If the tank is not pumped out every three to five years, the holding capacity, and the ability to separate the waste will be diminished, thus creating a situation in which solids can more easily move into the drain field.

Septic tanks contain naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria which help break down solids in the tank and support the biological processes that treat human waste. Some people believe that they can reduce the frequency of septic tank pump outs by introducing “additives” to their septic system. There are different types of additives on the market. Biological additives add more bacteria to the tank, and in doing so, can create conditions in which the bacterial populations compete against each other, potentially causing negative effects. Enzymes are another type of septic tank additive. The enzymes are thought to aid in the breakdown of certain types of solids and limit the buildup of the scum layer (fats, oils, greases). Additives claiming to eliminate the need for pumping usually re-suspend solids, moving them to the drain field, thus clogging lines and leading to system failure. Septic tank additives are not regulated and there is no scientific evidence to support their benefit. A healthy septic tank should not need any additives, but again, it does need routine inspection and pumping every three to five years.

Some general rules of the road when it comes to caring for your septic system:

  • Use less water. Space out laundry sessions throughout the week. This avoids overloading the system over a short period of time. Be sure to notice any leaking toilets or dripping faucets and repair them right away.
  • Keep toxic chemicals from going down the drain. Properly dispose of solvents, paint, varnish, oil, and pesticides, instead of putting them down the drain. Use bleach and household cleaners sparingly.
  • Keep solids out. Cigarettes, left over medications, handwipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, tissues, kitty litter, and other solid items should go into the trash, not your septic system. Left over medications could kill the “good” bacteria in your tank.
  • Keep grease and fat out of your kitchen drain. Pour the oil into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
  • Limit use of garbage disposal. Using a garbage disposal increases the amount of water and solids in your septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping.
  • Divert runoff and drainage water. Never drain swimming pools or hot tubs into your septic system or drain field. Downspouts and roof runoff should be directed away from your drain field to limit hydraulically overloading the soil.

Regular maintenance pump fees can average between $250 to $500. This expense every three to five years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a failing septic system. Replacement costs can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on the type of system needed. A well designed, healthy septic system that is properly cared for should last a homeowner 20-30 years or more. Your septic system is a silent partner in keeping your home life humming. As lovable as your car, which you maintain regularly and as just as aggravating when it breaks down?! To find more information about being Septic Smart, go to: https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-week-quick-tip-videos.

By Amy Pemberton, Technical Assistance Provider, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP)

Vaccine Information for Franklin County

Vaccine for ages 6 months and older, booster for ages 5 and older, all vaccines are no cost. Updated Omicron-specific (bivalent) booster is available for ages 5+ who received a shot (end of primary series or booster dose) at least two months ago. Register online or walk-ins welcome. Bring your ID, insurance card and vaccination card. You can receive both the flu and COVID vaccines during the same visit.

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now?

Booster dose eligibility depends on age & type of primary series vaccines received:

Schedule a COVID vaccine appointment in Franklin County:

Big Y: (Address: 237 Mohawk Trail/Route 2, Greenfield) Online booking only. Note: the link only works with the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge. Schedule at Big Y here
Rite Aid: (Address: 107 Main Street, Greenfield) Click here to book vaccine appointment online or call (413) 774-2201. Note: scheduling website available in both English and Spanish.
Walgreens (Address: 5 Pierce Street, Greenfield and 240 Avenue A, Turners Falls) Click here to book vaccine appointment online or call (800) 925-4733. Note: online scheduling requires signing in to Walgreens online pharmacy account.
Baker Pharmacy (Address: 52 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls) Call 413-625-6324 to schedule.
Walmart: (Address: 555 East Main Street, Orange) Click here to book appointment online.
Other Options: Visit the State VaxFinder site. For individuals who are unable to use VaxFinder, or have difficulty accessing the Internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available by calling 2-1-1 (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM – 2 PM). The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

How to Schedule a Pop-up Vaccination Clinic at workplaces or events

  • Click here to request a Walgreens clinic at your event/location.
  • Click here to schedule a CVS clinic onsite — minimum 30 people.
  • Click here to schedule a state mobile clinic.

Homebound Vaccination

Is it very hard for you to get to a vaccination appointment? Someone can come to you to administer a vaccine. Call the State Homebound Vaccination Program phone number 833-983-0485.

Vaccine Safety Information

Vaccines are safe and are one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick from COVID-19. The vaccine doesn’t contain the virus that causes COVID-19, so it can’t make you sick. You may experience mild side effects after getting the vaccine, but this is a sign that your body is learning how to protect you. The COVID-19 vaccine was developed quickly but all of the

same safety steps were followed for this vaccine that are used for all vaccines.

Accessing Your Vaccination Record

Need a copy of your vaccination? Your primary care provider can access your vaccination record through the MA Immunization Information System.

Board of Health Files

Name Uploaded Date
   Disposal System Construction Application - 1A.pdf 2022-09-22 15:28:13
   Disposal System Construction Permit - 2A.pdf 2022-09-22 15:28:15
   Haulers Application Rev 21.pdf 2023-04-06 09:10:34
   HPAI-Memo.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:59
   Installer Application Rev 21.pdf 2022-09-22 15:10:20
   Local Upgrade Approval - 9B.pdf 2022-09-22 15:30:14
   Local Upgrade Approval Application - 9A.pdf 2022-09-22 15:30:18
   Marijuana-regs.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:05
   Perc Test Application re 24.pdf 2024-09-04 13:08:09
   Preventing-Mosquito-Bites-MA-Dept-PubHealth-2020.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:41
   Purple-Shield-Vaccine-Consent-ALL-Patients-Ver-4-22-21.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:44
   Tobacco 21 Reg 20180403 D.pdf 2022-09-22 15:12:16
   Vaccine-Consent-Form-for-Individuals-12-17-Years-of-Age-05-12-21.pdf 2022-08-30 15:00:47
   Well Permit Application.pdf 2022-09-22 15:11:33